AS Media Preliminary Task Write Up

Our task was a continuity task, in which we had to include filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom they then had to have a short conversation with. 

In preparation for this task, the other members of my group and I created a floor plan, where we mapped out where each camera would be and how the room would be laid out. Our floor plan helped us to avoid breaking the 180 degree rule whilst we were filming, as it guided us as to where we should place the camera to film. Another part of the preparation was the storyboard; we used a storyboard to plan the camera angles we would use and when, and what would be seen in each shot. As well as this, we rehearsed our dialogue to ensure we didn't mess up too much whilst filming, also we did a few practice scenes so we had a rough idea of what to do. The purpose of each stage of the planning really helped when it came to the day where we actually filmed as it helped us get things completed swiftly and easily and we didn't have to do too many takes to get it right.

In our preliminary task we used a wide variety of camera shots/techniques and angles. For example, for this shot to the right, we incorporated an extreme close up (ECU) and a high angle shot into one shot. The effect of the ECU is that shot focuses closely onto the lips and when the character speaks, we listen intently as to what they are saying. The use of the high angle shot down onto the second character shows the idea of the character closer to the screen is more powerful than the character furthest away. We used this shot and angle to create a sense of intimidation and hierarchy. 

For this shot, we used a long, low-angle shot to show the surroundings, and to let the audience see where the character is travelling to.This shot is used to make the audience aware of the positioning of the scene. The long shot provides an extended view of the scene.

Something that we did quite well in our preliminary task was the way we edited the scene to make continuous. For example when the character is walking through the door, it was very continuous. For that specific part of the scene we used 2 different shots, which were quite different in positioning, so making it continuous in the editing was important.

I was really happy with the end product of our preliminary task. I like all of the shots we used and how well edited it is. I especially like how we incorporated a "quirky" shot into our scene - inspired by "Coffee and Cigarettes"; we incorporated a bird's eye view shot. This shot adds extra tension and a bit more drama to the scene.

Overall, our preliminary task went pretty well, however we did have a couple of issues whilst filming. The first issue is the sound quality; because of the background noise of our location was quite loud, this noise drowns out the conversation between the characters. Also the quality of the audio in general isn't great. In my thriller task, I will be sure to use a boom mic to ensure better sound quality and I will also film in a quieter location.

Another problem we faced was that when editing, we suddenly realised we needed an extra shot to fill a gap. However we didn't have time to film this shot so we just improvised and moved some audio and shots around to get around this issue.

Preliminary Task AS Media

How do directors film a conversation?

How do directors film a conversation?

In order for directors to film an interesting and intriguing conversation, they must use a wide range of camera angles and camera techniques in order to hold the audience’s attention so they don’t get bored.
Jim Jarmusch’s “Coffee and cigarettes” uses the 180° rule; where you only film on one side of an imaginary line – all cameras are required to be on one side. This imaginary line passes through the actors’ faces who are facing each other, so usually we only see one side of each actors face, unless they turn their head of course. The purpose of this shot is to let the audience see the positions of each actor and let them get a feel of their surrounding environment. The 180° rule prevents confusion in the audience as they just get to see one side of each actors’ face, and the camera angle changes aren’t too harsh and extreme and makes it easier for them to follow the actions the actors are doing and the conversation that they’re having. If the director wasn’t to use the 180° rule then the shots would then be disoriented, this is called a reverse cut which most directors aim to avoid.
This scene also uses a shot/reverse shot. This type of shot is when something what one of the actors is looking at is shown, then shortly after is seen looking at that object, or this could be the other way around. In the clip below, it is clearly shown when Iggy Pop is shown looking at something, however as the audience, we aren't really sure what it is until the next shot shows it. Shot/reverse shots are used to create tension, suspense and mystery in a scene, as at first we only see how the actor behaves because of such object, and this creates an aura of tension as we are left wondering why the actor is behaving because of this object. It is also used to show significance of something in a scene or the whole film it's self, by showing the actor's interest in it, it becomes a key part of that scene/film.

Another scene which incorporates what a director should use to film a conversation is the rule of thirds, which is displayed in the clip below from Lord of The Rings of Gollum and Smeagol. Although there isn't actually two characters and it's just Gollum talking to the other part of himself, a good, intense conversation is still achieved. The way the rule of thirds works is a grid is set over the top of scenes and images and the camera returns to a set of 3 shots in the scene; the effect of this is it creates the sense of isolation and claustrophobia for the audience as the shots focus on these 3 shots.

Another filming technique that causes the feeling of claustrophobia, discomfort and isolation is the lack of head room in this scene. When the camera zooms in onto Gollum's face when he is being mean to Smeagol, it makes the audience feel uncomfortable with the lack of head room in the shot. This makes the scene intense and intriguing for whoever is watching it, which is a good thing as it keeps the audience interested and on the edge of their seats to see how the conversation will end.

Again in this clip below from "The Tomorrow People", the director sticks to the 180 degree rule. The reason for this is to let the audience see the whole of what is going on in the scene and to help them not get confused by the cameras' positions, the do this by keeping the cameras on one side of an invisible line.

Like with the "Lord of the Rings" clip, the director zooms in on the actors' faces in attempt to create an air of suspense, uncertainty and discomfort. This works very well for this scene in particular as Stephen is trying to prevent the woman from discovering the truth about something; by zooming in on each of their faces during this interrogation, it makes us feel uneasy whether or not she's going to sniff him out.